From Sweeper to Supply Chain: Wasinsky Lands Solid Aviation Career

Posted by Matthew Bila on

Published by Tom Thinnes on Mon, Mar 31, 2014

As a student at Western Michigan University’ College of Aviation, George “Chip” Wasinsky dreamed of the day his career would take off.  With a solid aviation blood line, Wasinsky was destined to enter the business.  His journey would run the gauntlet – taking him from the bottom, up the career ladder.

Upon graduating in 2005 from Eisenhower High School in Shelby Township, MI, Wasinsky found himself enrolled at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation.  His career path was pre-determined.  Not only has his father been involved in the aerospace manufacturing industry for 30 years, his grandfather piloted for Frontier and American Airlines after serving in the navy.  “For me, it was a natural thing to do,” said Wasinsky.  “Aviation has always been a part of my life.  I thought it was so cool that my grandpa was a pilot.”  The fact Wasinsky was at WMU pursuing a degree in Aviation Science and Administration was the logical step.

While at Western Michigan University, Wasinsky understood the importance of connections.  Having the family background in the industry helped to solidify his need to become involved and make industry connections.  “I loved living on campus, especially the Aviation House in Henry Hall,” remarked Wasinsky.  “This was the best way to start my ‘local’ networking.  I made friends in Henry that remain to this day.  Henry Hall provided us an opportunity to establish a brotherhood.”  The bonds from not only pursuing a similar degree, but also the opportunity to live and share so many experiences had a distinct impact on him.  “The time on campus created a close knit group.  I keep in contact with those friends to this day.”

The time on campus also solidified the necessity to prepare for a career beyond the college classroom.  As a student in the College of Aviation, Wasinsky saw the need for a strong student government and ran for the Aviation Student Council President.  Basing his campaign on the reorganization of the organization, Wasinsky won the election and was sworn in during the spring of 2009, helming the chair until the spring of 2010.

During his term, Wasinsky lead the organization in a needed face lift.  “Reorganizing and re-launching the Aviation Student Council was one of my major tasks,” he recalled.  Additionally, he has fond memories of helping bring to life the College of Aviation anniversary celebrating 70 years of aviation education and 10 years as the 7th academic college of Western Michigan University.  “One of my most memorable experiences was helping to put the gala celebration together.  The Aviation Student Council helped to secure Dale Klapmeier (Founder of Cirrus Aircraft) as one of the keynote speakers.  Not only was it a great opportunity to meet one of the brothers who helped to bring the College of Aviation fleet to life, but it was also inspiring to hear his story and the many obstacles and challenges they encountered as they struggled to bring the aircraft to fruition.”

Time spent at Western Michigan University also prepared him well professionally and academically.  In addition to the solid footing he obtained in the field of aviation, Wasinsky commented on the skill set he improved on while studying at WMU.  According to Wasinsky, “Numerous things come to mind about my time at WMU.  First and foremost was Crew Resource Management taught by Professor Gil Sinclair.  I liked that class a lot.  All of the classes added to the development of my critical thinking skills, the ability to organize tasks and see them to completion, and the reinforcement of the importance of being a team player.”

As a student, Wasinsky also understood the importance of networking outside of Henry Hall and the confines of Western Michigan University.  “When summer time came, I found myself looking for career work.  I didn’t want any job, I wanted a position that would accentuate my opportunities upon graduating,” Wasinsky remembered.  As he stated, not any job would do.  He required one that would provide opportunities.  Enter Triumph Gear Systems, part of the Triumph Group.  Wasinsky secured an entry level position sweeping floors.  He would spend his summers at Triumph, returning to WMU in the fall to continue his studies.

Not only did the job provide him spending cash during the school year, it also provided network connections that would pay off in dividends upon graduating.  Through connections he made during his summer employment, Wasinsky secured gainful employment with Triumph Gear Systems soon after he graduated in 2010.  “I started as a Quality Associate specifically assisting in the metallurgical lab.  I worked with the heat treating of all our gear components,” stated Waskinsky.  During this time, he increased his knowledge about the manufacturing process and supply chain management.  “At Triumph, we follow the Six-Sigma philosophy developed by Toyota.  Ultimately, we are focused on a lean manufacturing process, seeking a more efficient way of producing a product.”

“One of the great things about working at Triumph Gear Systems is their ‘Success Factors’ program,” said Wasinsky.  Success Factors is a program that nurtures talent from within, providing an opportunity for current employees to advance within the company.  “I had an opportunity to speak with our company president about advancement opportunities.  I was offered six months of training, the finances fell into place, and I was finally offered the job.”  Four short years after graduating, Wasinsky accepted a promotion as a Program Manager.  This unique opportunity places him in charge of the manufacturing and supply chain for Rolls Royce and Boeing.  With a smile on his face, Wasinsky said, “Not only do I get to work with Rolls Royce and Boeing, I am the main point of contact for both companies.”

Wasinsky’s leadership and support continues to be demonstrated on many levels.  Not only has he risen within the ranks at Triumph, he also feels the need to be a leader as an alumni of the College of Aviation.  Wasinsky was the first person to donate to College of Aviation’s 75 Year Campaign, celebrating the momentous aviation anniversary.  “I think it is my duty to give back to the program and college that gave me so much,” said Wasinsky.  “Western Michigan University did so much for me, donating money is the least I can do.  It is my duty as an alumnus to pay it forward.  I want to ensure the continued growth of the College of Aviation.”